Emily Holleman

“I don't think that being unafraid is the same as being brave. I think bravery is when you go on even though you are frightened. -Alexander tells Arsinoe”

Cleopatra's Shadows (Fall of Egypt #1)
by Emily Holleman

Anyone who knows me well knows that I have always adored books on Cleopatra. I also love literature on Egypt in general.

Through the years I have read so many books on Cleopatra, with "I Cleopatra" by William Bostwick being one of my all time favorite reads.

This book, Cleopatra's Shadows, is a bit different. It concentrates, not on Cleopatra, but on two of her sisters, Berenice and Arsinoe.

King Ptolemy, their father, has been forced into exile, along with Cleopatra. Berenice, the elder daughter, has seized the thrown. Arsinoe has been left behind and is struggling to make sense of these new circumstances in which she finds herself .

I should also note that this is reimagined fiction. Many of the things that occur in this book did not actually take place or are questionable. For example, in reality there was a fourth sister, Cleopatra Tryphaena.

The book alternates between the two sisters and is told from both their POVS. It should be noted that Cleopatra herself is barely in it.

It was interesting reading about the two sisters because there is so much literature about Cleopatra herself and less about the sisters.

I LOVED Cleopatra's Shadow. I found the writing incredible, the characters wholly fleshed out and human and I loved reading this book.

You know a book is good..or great..when you are sad that it ends. I wish Cleopatra's Shadows could have been longer. I have heard this is part of a series and I hope that is true.

SPOILERS:

Although I liked reading about both sisters, I did prefer the POV of Berenice. With Arsinoe, it did get a little tedious, with her continued visions, tutoring with Ganymedes and friendship with Alexander.

Berenice on the other hand..I did not tire of reading about her as she was written so well. Kudos to the writer for that. She was such a compelling character in all her raw loneliness and desire for love and tenderness. She was so virtually bereft of self awareness that it was almost touching. I found her to be a multi faceted complex character.

The characters are many but they are all unique. I loved reading about all the palace intrigue. This is an outstanding piece of writing that I would recommend for any lover of Historical Fiction and especially any fan of Cleopatra or Egyptian History. There is so much here to enjoy and I would give this book 45. stars.… (más)

As king Ptolemy lies on his deathbed his children vie for favour. Cleopatra has been joint ruler but her little brother Ptolemy is the eldest son, Arsinoe is not favoured by her father and still has memories of the downfall of her sister Berenice. When Ptolemy names Cleopatra and his son Ptolemy as joint rulers, Egypt is thrown into turmoil. Ptolemy seeks to aid the Romans by killing an enemy but Cleopatra outwits him by seducing Julius Caesar and seizing power herself. Meanwhile Arsinoe flits between the two in her loyalties and she has an ulterior motive as well.

This is the second in Holleman's series about Cleopatra and the first that I have read. That was no barrier as the backstory is outlined and the plot is so rapid that the reader is grabbed from the beginning. I particularly liked the idea of telling the story from the perspective of the two siblings, Ptolemy and Arsinoe, rather than just a third person narrative. Whilst aware of the history I liked this approach as it humanised a tale of scandal and betrayal.… (más)

I knew that Cleopatra had two sisters, but this novel written from the perspectives of her older sister Bernice and her younger sister Arsinoe was a unique treat. Cleopatra is a off-stage character for the majority of the novel and instead the focus is on Bernice, who has usurped her father Ptolemy's throne and must now defend Egypt against a Roman-backed invasion, and Arsinoe, who must negotiate Bernice's treacherous court at a young age. An interesting read, although I would not recommend it to anyone who does not possess an interest in Ancient Egypt.… (más)